Forgetting my first Blog

After starting my new blog, I find it difficult to keep up with this more personal blog. I will write about all my green information on my Living Semi-Crunchy blog and leave this one for my family.

Cloth Diapers - Break it down!

There are certain things I am passionate about, and cloth diapering (CDing) is no exception. I became interested in CDing while pregnant with my daughter, and quickly became addicted to the cute styles, however, the different options were overwhelming to me. I didn't know what AIO, OS, prefold, pocket or fitted meant, I and I certainly didn't know what options would work best for me and my family. So, I am going to break down the different options for diapering, and try to make it as easy as possible for anyone who may be interested in cloth diapering.

First I will explain sizing. Keep in mind all babies grow at different rates. Some babies are full in the waist and thighs, whereas others maintain a leaner, skinnier frame. When possible, try to measure your babies waist and thighs and/or go by weight. Some diapers companies use age as a way to measure, which may be less accurate. Here are some approximate weights vs size that I have averaged/compiled from various diapers.

x-small/newborn: 6-12lbs
small: 7-18lbs
medium: 15-27lbs
large: 22-30/40lbs
One-size (OS): This is a diaper that adjusts with 2-3 layers of additional snaps. The snaps make it possible to change the diaper from a size small to a size large, without buying multiple size diapers. Although these diapers usually cost more money, they last longer and can be used for more than one child in the event you have multiple children in diapers. This diaper should last you from birth (approx 2months) to potty learning.


Cloth Diaper options:

1.) Prefolds(PF) or Flats

Prefold refers to a rectangle piece of cloth that has a thicker center for added absorbency. Most prefolds have a 4x8x4 measurement, with the first and last numbers referring to the number of layers on the right and left side of the prefold and 8 layers for the middle section. Prefolds can still work great with less layers, but often need a doubler (see below for more info) for added protection. Prefolds come in bleached (white) and unbleached (natural) fibers. Both work well, although the unbleached tend to last longer since the fibers have not been chemically weakened by the bleach. Organic fabrics are now commonly available at a higher cost, but for many people the benefits of organic fabrics out way the cost. Among organic cotton, hemp and bamboo are becoming more commonly used as a prefold fabric because of it's ability to absorb more wetness.

Chinese Prefolds vs. Indian Prefolds:

Chinese Prefolds are made in China and tend to be a bit sturdier and will last a bit longer. They are made with a slightly more durable fabric. Indian style is made in India or Pakistan. These are usually softer and a bit more absorbent, but will not hold up to as many washings. They also "quilt up" more when washed, although both styles will plump up and become softer when washed. The differences are subtle and no matter which you choose you can't go wrong as long as they are diaper service quality (DSQ). This means that they are made to stand up to industrial strength washing.

Flats simply refer to a prefold that has equal number of layers throughout, without a bulky middle section. Flats are usually less absorbent for this reason, but work great as "stuffers." PREFOLDS REQUIRE A DIAPER COVER.


2.) Fitteds

Fitted diapers are a contoured or tailed fitted diaper that requires no folding like a traditional prefold diaper. It typically fits snugly against babies body and secures with snaps or velcro/aplix, although some fitted diapers come without snaps or velcro and close with either a snappi or pins. This gives a more customized fit. FITTEDS REQUIRE A DIAPER COVER.

3.) Pockets

Pocket diapers are a contoured diaper that usually consist of three layers. An outer waterproof shell, an inner fleece (or similar material) that touches babies skin and a stuffer or doubler that goes inside the pocket between the outer and inner layers. Since pockets are waterproof, they do not require any additional cover. Since the inner stuffing is removed for washing, the diaper tends to dry quicker than other diaper options.

4.) All-in-Ones (AIO's) and All-in-Two's (AI2's)

AIO's are diapers that consist of an outer waterproof shell, and a number of inner, absorbent layers. There usually is no need to stuff like a pocket diaper, unless you have a heavy wetter and need added protection. AIO's are the closest thing to a disposable diaper and are typically the easiest cloth diaper to use. AI2's are similar to AIO's, but have a removable insert much like a pocket, making it easier to dry.

5.) Hybrid Diapers

Hybrid diapers are an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional disposable diapers. They come with a cover which can be used multiple times during the day unless soiled and is washable. Covers can be used with cloth inserts or biodegradable inserts.

6.) Covers

Covers are typically used over prefolds or fitteds, since neither is waterproof. There are many different styles of diaper covers, including wool, fleece and PUL. Some PUL covers can simply be wiped cleaned between uses and can often be found as a OS, which will work from birth to potty learning.

Bagshot Row Bamboo

So, I finally took the full plunge in to fitted diapers and decided to try a Bagshot Row Bamboo, better known to the cloth diapering world as BsRB's. BsRB's are fully adjustable by folding down the rise. It is constructed from two absorbent layers of bamboo/organic cotton fleece with an outer layer of boutique cotton knit that is perfect for use with a snappi or pins. The owner and maker of all BsRB's, Joyce, has been selling her diapers via Hyena Cart since November 2007 and had great reviews.

I put Ariana in her Volcom BsRB and closed it with a pin. She lasted almost 3 hours before I needed to change her. Here is a picture of the cute print.

Random Encounters

Today, while at my daily visit to Peet's with Liz, I stumbled upon a great family that shared similar beliefs as me and my family. Trisha, the mom, was wearing her 18 month old son Ry-Ry. Her two other boys, 3 and 5, were being well behaved with their dad Adam in the patio area. Within a few minutes of conversation Adam told me and Liz that their youngest child was a successfully planned home-birth. This obviously got our interest to ask more questions of the two. Trisha also explained that her first child was born via cesarean section after a domino of (somewhat) unnecessary medical interventions. We spoke for about a half hour learning that she also cloth diapered her children, home schooled them and participated in the Holistic Moms Network. It sparked many questions for Liz, who is pationate about becoming a midwife herself. I am eager to find out more information about the HMN and what things I may be able to take back to our smaller OMG group.

You just never know who you will meet at any given moment, and how those particular people may affect your life.

OMG

So, I started an Organic Mama's Group via Facebook. The intent is to give other mommy's information about an organic lifestyle and how to live a safer, greener life with children. Until I had kids, these things didn't mean much to me. Although I shopped at Whole Foods, I did it more out of glamor than the actually need to live healthier. The meaning of organic was not clear to me and I took it for granted that foods and products could be organic, yet still have unnecessary, harmful ingredients in them. Now that I have a family to take care of, I am constantly thinking about the things they put in their bodies, on their bodies or near their bodies. Although it is still a work in progress, I am sure my children will have a healthier lifestyle than I had, free of BPA's and GMO's.



So this is starting place. I will attempt to update Facebook and my blog with helpful information for busy mom's and dad's. Today I will start with a helpful tip my good friend Liz gave me. An unbiased web site that rates the ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products.

http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/

"Mommy, houses DON'T go backwards!"

So last week Grayson told me he saw a plane flying backwards. I had to explain to him that airplanes cannot fly backwards just like birds don't fly backwards. He was rather confused since he swore the plane he saw in the sky was indeed going backwards. Needless to say, he accepted it until today. He saw a helicopter in the sky and told me helicopters don't fly backwards. I didn't know how to explain this because technically a helicopter can fly backwards. As I was trying to break it down in 3 year old language, he blurted out, "Mommy, houses do NOT go backwards." There you have it... my son is a genius!

Work at home Mom?

Well, I'm still at home with Ariana and don't plan on going back to the Deli for a little while and we all know I will never be a banker again, so I started thinking about ways to make money while at home. I have recently become obsessed with cloth diapers and thought sewing a few trials might be a great idea. I went to Sheida's house and got my sewing machine and all my sewing supplies. I had all the materials and the pattern to make a purse and thought that might be a good starting place. I'll post pictures as soon as I'm finished. I also realized that infant bows and headbands were a new hot commodity, and the cost and time to produce one was close to nothing. We'll see if I venture in to that.

So, I'll have to see where I'm at in a month. Either I've broken ground on some projects, but if I haven't we know I was just blowin smoke!